Finally free

• Samal resort releases 135 turtle hatchlings to the sea

A PRIVATE resort in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) finally released to the sea a total of 135 turtle hatchlings on Jan. 22 after receiving a warning from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

In a Facebook post, hatchlings were Hawksbill a seamless transition of the the Department of Environment sea turtles, categorized as turtles from the shore to and Natural Resources critically endangered under the sea. (DENR) XI stated Department Administrative “A basin was filled the resort cooperated after Order (DAO) 2019-09. with sand from or near the receiving the Notice of Before the release, the nest, creating a makeshift Violation. DENR held a dialogue with environment that mirrored

The department flagged the resort management, the turtles' birthplace,” the resort for refusing to release along with the Philippine DENR-Davao wrote. the turtles following National Police Maritime “This simulated emergence an inspection on Jan. 16, Group (PNP-MG) and the not only provided where it was found out the local government unit for a safer transition for the young sea turtles but also emphasized the importance of replicating their natural habitat. The meticulous effort to recreate this crucial phase in their lives showcased a dedication to the well-being and successful release of these endangered creatures,” the post reads.

Isla Resort owner Mario Reta signed a Memorandum of Agreement with DENR Davao and vowed to be their conservation partner, which included strengthening community knowledge on proper wildlife handling.

The issue arose when the resort announced on its Facebook page on Jan. 15 that it would raise the turtle hatchlings and release them after six months, which gained the attention of netizens and environmental groups like the Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability

(IDIS).

Willfully and knowingly exploiting wildlife resources through collecting, hunting, or possessing wildlife, by-products, and derivatives is considered unlawful under Republic Act 9147 or the “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act”. Offenders may face a fine of P30,000 to P300,000 and two to four years of imprisonment.

Its remained BING GONZALES SEVERAL residents of Calinan District take the opportunity to renew their vehicles and licenses in the Land Transportation Office XI Bus on Wheels on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. The agency has intensified “no registration, no travel” campaign as data showed 1.3 million vehicles unregistered.